This return was also as a result of divestment by Wesfarmers....

This return was also as a result of divestment by Wesfarmers.
Passive investors got a raw deal from the AMP board

Return of capital

What is the capital component?

The distribution was entirely capital in nature. The Wesfarmers Dividend Investment Plan did not apply to the return of capital payment.

Why return capital this way?

This method was seen as the most equitable way of returning a portion of surplus capital in cash to all shareholders. As Wesfarmers has a high dividend payout ratio and distributes, where possible, available franking credits, a return of capital was seen as the most efficient distribution of capital to shareholders.

The return of capital demonstrated Wesfarmers' commitment to efficient capital management and its focus on providing a satisfactory return to all shareholders.

What will happen to the number of shares I hold?

There was no share consolidation as part of this capital management initiative and the number of Wesfarmers shares held by shareholders was not affected by the return of capital.

Is there a dividend component?

There was no dividend component as part of this capital management initiative.

How will the capital return be funded?

The return of capital was made possible by the Wesfarmers Group’s continued strong cash flow generation and the receipt of approximately $4.3 billion in proceeds from the sales of a number of assets during FY2018 to FY2020. These included the divestment of Wesfarmers’ interest in the Bengalla coal mining joint venture, Curragh coal mine, Kmart Tyre & Auto, Quadrant Energy and 10.1 per cent of Wesfarmers’ post-demerger 15 per cent shareholding in Coles.

The return of capital was funded by a combination of Wesfarmers’ available cash balances and existing debt facilities. The proportion of funding from each source was determined having regard to the most cost-effective source of funding available as at the date of payment.